PRSSA Call to Action

By Courtney Sizemore

Standing for what you believe in, what you have faith in, and what you
devote your free time to isn't always the popular decision. Friends
outside of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) say I come off obsessed, but as I see it, I am dedicated. Some of us are just becoming involved in PRSSA, and some
of us are veterans, and we come together for a variety of causes every
week/day regardless for a common cause. Some want to improve their
resume, some want the experience, some are bored, and some just
want to feel a belonging to a single organization. No matter what the
reasoning, we come together to celebrate the practice of PR, and for
good reason.

We are the coming generations of PR practitioners. Forget what you've
heard about faulty practice, the liars, the deceivers, and the
cheaters. We are a fresh start at new ideas with hearty experience. We
get to decide what kind of legacy we are going to leave. This doesn't
mean go into any future employment with the notion that nothing will
ever affect you. Know the challenges ahead, and pursue them anyway.
Believe in being ethical, believe in being right and fair, and above
anything, believe in your cause.

If you are graduating, question your motives for job positions and if
you believe that this is the right choice for you. Does this interest
you? Does this motivate you? Does this make you happy? If you aren't
graduating, ask yourself the same things. What are your strongest
assets and how can you apply them to the greater good right now!
Everyone has something they're passionate about. Seeing applications
for PRaction accounts, the staff sees your talents on paper and wants
you to apply them everyday. But you have to want to act once you're in
the position to do so!

What do you enjoy doing? Find someone to talk to in publications,
philanthropy work, entertainment, etc. Whether it is in Rowan's PRSSA
(and of course other PRSSA organizations across the country) or a
professional practitioner, don't be afraid to ask questions! Four year
olds ask questions all day long about why the sky is blue and the
grass is green because it's how they learn. Do the same. Throw
yourself into PRSSA. Immerse yourself in all it has to offer. Dedicate
yourself to the field and it will reap its benefits to you as well.